Remarks

by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the launch of the Chicago Summit Exhibition

22 Mar. 2012

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Last updated: 22 Mar. 2012 12:55

Ambassador Daalder,Governor Quinn,Ms. Rule,Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to NATO. We are very happy to see the Governor of Illinois, the First Lady of Chicago, and all of you who are doing so much to welcome NATO to Chicago.

I know Chicago very well. Our son, our daughter-in-law and two of our grandchildren live not far away, so your city is, literally, close to my family.

And this May, the NATO family of Allies and partners will meet in Chicago. A family based on shared values, and shared concerns. And at our summit, it will deliver shared solutions to the challenges we all face.

Like NATO, Chicago brings together many cultures. It is built upon diversity and determination.

In Chicago, NATO will deliver – an Alliance which is committed to transatlantic solidarity and cooperation; capable of dealing with the security challenges of the future; and connected with our partner nations and the rest of the international community. And that is why more than 50 Heads of State and Government and world leaders will come to Chicago in May.

And I know that Chicago will deliver a summit with the hospitality, the energy and the inspiration for which you are famous.

And this exhibition reminds us that we have a lot to look forward to in Chicago. In our meetings and out.

So I wish to thank – through you -- the United States Government, the state of Illinois, and the city of Chicago for bringing us the taste, the sights and the sound of this exciting city. We look very much forward to visiting Chicago.